JULY 20, 2001

Bernie supports the up-and-comers

FORMULA 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has praised the new blood in the sport's driving fraternity, and has suggested that the established stars are getting worried.

"I am convinced that the young Finnish driver, Kimi Raikkonen, is a future star," Ecclestone said. "It really is amazing what he has accomplished in the relatively small number of races he's been in. Montoya is also a name...

"Alongside these two, many young drivers are waiting for their chance. Of course, they will have to wait until the best drivers decide to stop, which will not be soon. Schumacher and Hakkinen are relatively young, but even they know that they have competition waiting to take over their positions at the top."